Patch Pet of the Month: Ronnie—A King Among Dogs

On any given weekend, you would likely come upon me first if you visited Angel Ridge. I fancy myself the official greeter as I lay royally on the grass just a short distance from the rest of the dogs in their kennels.

I love to be outside and with my long, thick, coat—even the frostiest day doesn’t bother me. As it gets warmer, I relocate to a special patch in the shadows under the trailer to cool off and snooze.

It is closing in on a year since my owners had to move and could not take me with them. This made me very sad at first, but I have adjusted to the rescue routine and I’m hanging in there. Sometimes people wonder if I’m depressed, and treat me extra special when they have the time.

I answer to “Ronnie,” but a few volunteers have upgraded my name to a more formal “Ronald.” I guess that’s because I’m the biggest dog around and command a more distinguished name.

Though impressive in size, I surprise everyone with how easy I am to walk and how gentlemanly I am around people. Don’t get me wrong—if I really want to go somewhere and smell something, I will throw my weight around and drag you there, but generally I am as good as gold on the leash.

Have you seen a more handsome boy than me? I hear that many a woman would dye to have fur—I mean hair—the color of mine. My big brown eyes shine out above my giant snout. My paws are huge and I use them wisely. Ask me to sit and I get right to it, but I’ll also top that off by offering one of my big, fluffy paws to anyone that smells like they may have a treat hidden on their person.

As a Chow-golden retriever mix, I have the head of a lion and the heart of a lamb. I know “sit,” “paw” and “down” just to name a few of my more dazzling qualities.

A lot of people stop short of adopting me because of my size, but you should know that I don’t need nearly the amount of exercise as one of those slimmer, younger, wildly energetic breeds. Compared to a Border collie or a hound, I am a low-energy boy.

No, I’m not a houseplant, and will walk as long and as far as you want to go. But when we’re done, I am quite content to hang out and watch the world go by as long as I have a friend to lean on.

Housebreaking will be no problem for me. I’ve been there and done that successfully. I am sure I can live with another good-natured dog, but I am definitely not a “cat person.”

For a winter warrior, I’m a winning choice. I can help you shovel snow and accompany you on a cross-country ski trek. I’m a slug in the summer months and will be happy to stay in the AC or shade rather than join you for a jog. The best home for me is with single or multiple adults from as young as 21 to a healthy senior—which covers a lot of the population. I am okay with older kids, but little ones would drive me crazy. Now in my middle years, I enjoy my quiet time and do not appreciate the overstimulation from little kids.

It’s obvious that I am a favorite among the volunteers. They stroke my beautiful golden-red hair, pluck the occasional burr from my flowing tail and fuss over me like I was royalty. But here I still sit without a palace, which any home would be to me.

If you have a question or would like to meet Ronnie, please call Judy at 724-223-9325 or Cindy at 412-576-3445, or email cindy.coupe@verizon.net.  

Angel Ridge Animal Rescue 724.229.7053 390 Old Hickory Ridge Road Washington, PA 15301

www.angelridgeanimalrescue.org

Hours: 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

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